Restorations of 1952-1969 BMW Motorcycles

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1959 R69 VIN# 653488

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This bike came from Florida and was sold and titled as a 1959 R69 but I believe that it is actually a 1958 R69 because of the VIN #. The previous owner was in the beginning of a restoration on the bike when it was involved in fire that caused significant damage to the electrical components. Because the fire department used high-pressure hoses putting out the fire, many parts were scattered to the elements, never to be found. Fortunately, I was able to save most the parts that were found following the fire.

After two days of soaking all of the fasteners in Kroil, I was able to free the nuts and bolts that were left on the bike. I have begun the hunt for the many missing parts and buying NOS when I can find them.

It has been a few months into this project and I have made significant progress. The frame and swing arms have been stripped, zinc primed, and power coated gloss black and new bearings and seals installed. The final drive and transmission have been rebuilt with new seals and bearings. The crankshaft has been totally rebuilt and balanced by Brent Hansen. Cases of the engine, transmission, and final drive have been media blasted and clear coated with Eastwood clear satin hi-temp coating. Tank and fenders have been painted and pin striped. The Weinmann hi-lip aluminum rims have been professionally polished, laced with new stainless steel spokes, and new wheel bearings and seals installed, pre-loaded properly, trued and balanced. New Heidneau tires and tubes installed. The chrome parts have been re-done and all aluminum parts have been polished.

The finish has taken some time but the bike is now together and running well if you look at the early photographs of the burned frame and scattered parts it seems amazing that one could get to this beautiful finished stage.

For more information on this bike, contact Jim using the form below:

Modifications and/or Repairs:

Frame and swing arms were stripped to bare metal and zinc primed before being powder coated

Engine, transmission, and final drive were totally disassembled and evaluated

New Kolben Schmidt pistons first over, BMW valves, guides and all new bearings and seals were installed, including the correct rear main spherical bearing which was customary on the R50S, R69 and the R69S.